Top third of the Cubs lineup combines for five hits. The middle third leaves eight men on base. As a team, 14 are left stranded, 0-for-4 with RISP. Can’t win if you don’t score.

The sore thumb sticking out is Bradley who went 0-fer with three promising opportunities to drive in runs.Strikeout, ground out, strikeout. He’s now 1-for-23 this season.

Cueto was dealing. Didn’t walk a single batter. He’s just 23-years-old. Good chance he’ll be a pain in the Cubs’ side for a long time.

Thought Lilly looked good, but the guy has no luck against Cincy. He’s now (1-6) lifetime vs. the Reds…(0-5) dating back to last season. Although, he did pitched well enough to earn a win…but no pitcher wins without run support!

The Cubs starting pitching vs. the Reds starting lineup is a total mismatch. Dusty penciled in six players – all starters – batting (.222) or less. That’s awful.

In turn, Cincy’s lineup was sweet tasting medicine for Harden, who didn’t work from the stretch until the fourth inning. Not to mention, it’s a nice rebound game after his short three inning stay against Colorado.

Theriot is flying under the radar. Two more hits tonight. He’s batting (.409)…and better, holds a (.412 avg.) with two strikes. The guy goes twinkle-toes with his left foot and suddenly becomes a (.400) hitter. He’s batting eighth in the order. Says a lot about the strength of Chicago’s lineup.

Hoffpauir is playing like he belongs on the Cubs’ 25-man roster…that’s a huge mental hurdle for a 29-year-old rookie.

Bowden can whistle ‘white rabbits, white rabbits’ – an old wise tale rehearsed to clear smoke from a camp fire – all he wants, but there’s no escaping the smoke from this fire.

It’s inevitable the Nationals will cut ties with Bowden. He’s dipped into the company’s ink and that’s unforgivable…even in the nation’s capitol. But losing Bowden might be the best move the franchise has made since ditching Montreal.

Yet, he’s also been voted an All Star, has averaged 40 home runs the past five seasons and most importantly, he’s averaged more than 152 games played per year through seven full seasons.

So, is Dunn passionate about his profession or not?

I think Dunn understands that he’s got it good earning a paycheck to play baseball, but his true passion for the game is still in hiding.

This better explains why the Big Donkey joined the god-awful Washington Nationals (59-102)?

Specifically, they’re two reasons: first off, the Nats paid top-dollar to get him and secondly, D.C. is a perfect sleepy market for Dunn to play his game without coming under fire to lose weight or improve defensively: comments that slowly ate away at Adam’s ego during his final months with Cincinnati.

Considering Dunn’s biggest supporter is GM Jim Bowden and that he’ll be reunited with good buddy Austin Kearns, and you find yourself one – fat, content and underdeveloped - happy ballplayer.

The latest reports out of Griffey’s camp say four teams are interested in him for at least the 2009 season.

Seattle is obviously one of the bidders, but after that it’s anyone’s guess.

What we do know about Griffey is he’d prefer to play closer to his home in Orlando, wants to play for a winner and wants a regular deal, meaning no minor league deal or an invitation to Spring Training.

Plus, Griffey could fill the void left from Sean Casey’s recent retirement and the Red Sox will again be contenders for a World title.

Tampa Bay appeared to lose interest with Griffey after signing Pat Burrell, but the Rays would be such a solid fit it’s hard to imagine there’s still not an opening for Griff, if for no other reason than location.

Speaking of which, location alone has the Marlins in positioned to be considered as well.